As we approached the October 15th departure date, we started to panic. Two important documents from SA were still missing; the veterinary import permit and the Cites import permit. Worse yet, nobody could tell us when they would be available. We were forced to move the departure date to the 28th of October. We cancelled our reservations and notified everyone that we were not coming. Disappointment loomed everywhere. The building of the transport cage had to be delayed. The cubs were growing daily. We were worried that the internal dimensions of the transport would not be large enough. The cubs were putting on 300 to 400 grams per day. They were growing fast. In order to continue building the transport, and be prepared for departure, we needed to measure the cub’s height and length daily which was not an easy thing to do as they never really kept still. Yame thought the tape measure was a new toy and chased it around. There were dimension limitations from cargo as well and it all became frustrating guess work. Every day that passed our anxiety increased exponentially. We were calling SA everyday to ask about the permits, the forwarder, and Swiss cargo to make sure they were ready to act as soon as the last permit became available. Finally, October 24th, late in the afternoon, just before the weekend started, we got the expected news – all permits were available. The rush was on to tie up all the loose ends. With only three working days left and our blood pressures rising, we decided to move the boys on the 30th. We still needed to get airline confirmation from cargo for that date, get our tickets, inspect and complete the transporter by the eve of departure, and get final veterinarian health certificates for travelling, etc. Everything fell into place on October 30th and we got the green light to go!Many people gathered at the center Fauna y Accion to see the boys off and wish them well. As Tete, (The Lion Whisperer of Spain and the love of the cub’s life), pulled the dolly up to load the boys into their transport, a lot of tears were shed by all the people at the center who had spent over three months of their lives caring for and loving dearly little Yame and George.Yame wanted nothing to do with getting into that unfamiliar box that had nothing to do with the life he had come to know. Tete had to push him from behind but Yame had his brakes on and it took a big, big shove to move him forward and inside. George, of course was less of a problem. The only thing he wanted was to be with his brother and entered into the transport quite calmly. However, neither of them were happy.Tete loaded the transport into the truck and we started down the road. Everyone waved good-bye. We were on our way to the airport and another adventurous chapter in the lives Yame and George.The cubs were already stressed when we arrived to the airport and I thought, “Oh dear me. They haven’t even started the trip yet. This is not going to be easy.”We found the airport cargo area packed with the Spanish Guardia de Civil, airport security personnel, veterinarians, and numerous other airport officials. At first we thought there was a VIP around or something of that nature. When we pulled up to the cargo loading zone, we found that all of the fuss was about the cubs. All of the people there were either there for the security and protection of Yame and George, veterinary processing, curiosity, and well wishers. There must have been 30 people hanging around and we were overwhelmed by such support and kindness. The cubs were unloaded and disappeared into the Swiss Air Cargo building.We said good-bye to Tete and his wife Paty. Luis and I may have rescued little Yame and George from a horrible fate which probably would have meant their death if we hadn’t, but Tete and Paty gave them their lives back by the love and amazing care they gave them. We knew nothing about healing sick lions and we are so very grateful for those at Fauna y Accion who gave so much unconditionally for the boys.After checking ourselves on to the same flight with the boys, we were able to watch them being loaded on the plane. It was quite an emotional moment – a very impressive handling of the operation by Swiss Air Spanish employees - very professionally and smoothly done. Interestingly enough, we found that our own seats on the plane coincided with Yame and George situated right below us. If only they could have heard our familiar call. We were finally on our way to South Africa and the new home of Yame and George with Kevin Richardson.It wasn’t a long flight via Zurich. Under two hours. When we landed, the captain of the plane sought us out and asked if we were the people with the lions on board. He escorted us personally to where the cubs were being unloaded from the cargo area of the plane and we were able to talk with them. They were stressed but in good condition. Remember though, this was a short flight and the biggie was yet to be taken.I cannot remember the last time I had suffered such anguish - just thinking about the boys and what they must be going through. When we finally arrived to our destination we were greeted by members of our CACH team. All of us went directly to cargo looking for the cubs. It wasn’t hard to find them as there was a crowd circled around something that we knew must be the cub’s transport. Kevin Richardson was there and a few reporters. Little George was very stressed and he had lost some fur and skin in various places on his face. It was mandatory to have a divider between the cubs during flight. They were together and could see each other but they couldn’t reach each other. George had rubbed his face trying to get to his brother. He looked pitiful. He had gone through a trauma once again.The ride to Kevin’s sanctuary was a long one and I kept telling myself that at least this was the end of it. They would suffer no more. They were going home finally forever.Waiting for Yame and George at Kevin’s Wildlife Sanctuary was a lovely, open, peaceful, enclosed area from where they can see the golden Savannah fields, the acacia trees, and Africa’s wildlife roaming freely around in front of them. This area is to be their home for the time being while their new enclosure is being built. Once that is ready, they will reside there for a few more months while Kevin performs “his magic” and makes the right decision for where he wants “his boys” to become a part of his family of lions. So, how do Luis and I feel now? LOST! We have spent the last three and a half months of our lives loving Yame and George. We started the process of healing their little bodies and repairing their broken spirits. We have hugged them and cuddled them - all of which was necessary as they never knew what a mother’s love could mean. And most important, helped them to learn how to trust again. We are going to be very lonely without them. Our lives have changed forever. But we feel such joy in our hearts knowing that they will have such special lives and grow into very big lions and will forever be ambassadors for their own kind. Hopefully, others all over the world will learn from them. We need to change the hearts of people. Compassion and love will win through. These two little boys will see to that.We will carry our love for Yame and George in our hearts and will forever be grateful to them for all that they have taught us. We started this rescue thinking that we would teach THEM about love and forgiveness and trust, but they are the ones in the end that taught us. “We love you our little lions.”We wish to thank Swiss Cargo for their generosity and Swiss crew and personnel for all of the support given to us in making this move for Yame and George to South Africa possible.

SOO heartwarming - I feel as if I know these two little fellas personally ... Thank you for sharing in such detail.
Looking forward to many more updates as George and Shame settle in and grow bigger :-)
CJ and Luis : you look so sad in the photos - maybe it's time you find a way to relocate to RSA ? The cubs will always recognize you even when they are adults :-). Thank you for your love and dedication !! God bless !!

Reply

stephanie evers

11/6/2014 09:37:41 pm

CJ I can only imagine how you and Luis and the rest of your team in Spain feel. You all did an amazing job from the bottom of your hearts to give Yame n George the best possible life. I cannot thank you enough

Reply

cry green

11/6/2014 10:25:36 pm

What a wonderful ending to their tragic start in life. What a wonderful man Kevin Richardson is, and her is truly a hero for lions. May God richly bless everyone that helped rescue these beautiful cubs and we hope to hear about their progress in the future.

Reply

Emma in Oregon

11/6/2014 10:34:05 pm

The bittersweet story of George & Yame; such a tragic beginning that has been transformed into a beautiful, ongoing story. Once again, CJ brings tears to my eyes as I read her words which bring the story to life, and look at the pictures of those little darlings. I can only imagine how the team in Spain must be feeling now with the cubs so far away. I am so grateful for the existence of your group and all the kind hearts who have given of their time, energy, and money to heal the little bodies and spirits of these beautiful cubs and to bring them to a safe and loving home. Thank you to everyone involved in Spain and SA, all the people who have gifted cash or valuables to raise the necessary money, and to Kevin for accepting George and Yame! I'm so excited to watch their progress as they continue to grow in their new home! :-)

Reply

Sherie

11/6/2014 11:21:24 pm

Been following the boys....wow what a relief that they made it home!!!!!.
That is to thanks to some very extraordinary people.

Reply

Luis Jr.

11/6/2014 11:21:32 pm

I have been trying to avoid sending any comments throughout this adventure, as I have personally been involved with these cubs in some way and didn't want to draw any attention from George and Yame, but now that they are safe in South Africa and a new life to look forward to, I have to say that I am so DAMN PROUD of my parents. They have sacrifised so much for George and Yame, not for anything but for their love for lions, wildlife, and life itself. My mother has put her life on the line in a way you all can't imagine and it has not been easy for a son to let that happen, but deep down I knew this is her purpose in life and that it made her happy being part of such an adventure, to give an example and let many of us in this world realize what we are doing and how we are destroying it.

George and Yame will always be in our hearts.

We can't change the world with a click of a button but taking baby steps we can try to move in the right direction. I know my parents will not stop here and they have my full support.

God bless you!

Reply

Chris Voets

11/7/2014 01:05:59 am

Luis Jr, you have the right to be proud of your parents - they have been such warriors for the past months! This is about so much more than saving the lives of two cubs......

Reply

Becca Bryan

11/7/2014 03:52:05 am

Luis Jr,
You have wonderful parents and they raised an awesome son in you. It takes a lot of sacrifice from many people to do what they did. Truly, it took a world community to step in and help these two cubs.

Thank you for commenting here. I know it must have been hard not to during the little ones time in Spain. It's great to hear from your Mom and you about this experience.

God Bless You All.

Reply

Donna

11/11/2014 08:22:56 am

What a beautiful comment to make off the back of such a fantastic couple! These Cubs are lucky to have everyone involved with their life so far and from a lion lovers point of view, you are all so lucky to know and be able to help these amazing beautiful beings.

Reply

Gary and Aleta

11/17/2014 03:10:50 am

Love following this Blog too and totally agree with everything you wrote. Amazing to see the transformation in these cubs lives. Am sure your folks will eave a part of themselves in SA. Beautiful journey and beautiful legacy.

Reply

stephanie evers

11/6/2014 11:38:53 pm

Luis Jr you have brought me to tears. I am lost for words on how proud you must feel. Your parents have brought such hope in their journey with these precious souls and they hold a place in so many hearts.

Reply

Amanda&gt;M

11/7/2014 12:02:46 am

This is so moving and impressive! It shows in stark relief what can be accomplished when caring people work together. You all pulled in so many people who wanted to help and did a truly amazing thing! Be Proud of yourselves! And Thank You!

Reply

Irene Polchet

11/7/2014 12:19:37 am

This is so precious, wonderful that they are in such a good space now.
XXX

Reply

Rachella

11/7/2014 09:50:41 am

God bless you a for saving these little ones. Xx

Reply

Suzanne Ohlson de Fine

11/7/2014 06:19:49 pm

Oh my beating HEART!! Words fail me. CJ, Luis, the whole Spanish team and our own Kevin Richardson - thank you guys for making this wonderful story have a happy ending..... love all of you.

They had such an awful start and you guys gave them the love they'd never had. Thank you for doing what so many of us would love to do - the light is burning bright in their little eyes again and you are responsible for that. Big love to you all x

Reply

Gillian

11/9/2014 06:37:44 pm

Dear CJ, Luis and Luis Jr, you are the most incredible people for rescuing Yame and George, lavishing so much love and attention on them, knowing that they would be homed somewhere so far away from your home. I salute you, you will be in their hearts forever, I am sure.

Thank you so much for the update of beloved Yame and George. They look so adorable, healthy and happy. Please keep sharing updates on them. Please have videos, if possible. Please visit my blog dedicated to the sacred lions. http://notch-masaimara.blogspot.com/2014/04/blog-post.html

Reply

anry hasibuan

5/5/2015 06:48:07 pm

Thank you so much CJ and Luis..
it so inspiring, how we all as a human should be..